The Conservative Party has raised eyebrows after deciding not to field candidates in more than a quarter of the seats up for grabs in the forthcoming borough elections.

Only 32 prospective councillors have been put forward to stand in Gravesham’s 44 seats ahead of the vote on Thursday, May 7 – the same day as the general election.

The full list of nominations was revealed hours after the deadline last Thursday.

The shortfall has “shocked” main rivals Labour but senior Tories say they are more focused, with quality candidates over quantity.

Gravesham Conservative Party leader John Cubitt said: “We have fielded a strong team of candidates able to fully represent the wards they are standing in; unlike others we have not set out to field meaningless, paper candidates just for the sake of it.

“All Gravesham residents are able to support the Conservative Party by voting for Adam Holloway, who is clearly the most able candidate standing in the election.

“In the local elections, we have a strong balanced team with 11 women candidates, seven ethnic minority candidates and six candidates under 35.

“Where we have fielded one candidate they have demonstrated their commitment to their area such as Conrad Broadley in Northfleet North or Tom O’Keeffe in Riverside, giving examples of their work.”

Gravesham council leader Cllr John Burden (Lab) said he was shocked by the Tories’ decision.

He said: “To be honest I’m very surprised. I’ve never known them not to field all 44 candidates.

“My personal view is that you always have to have 44 [candidates] because you shouldn’t take the electorate for granted.

“I can only say they obviously think the council is performing very well and are happy with what we are doing.

“I can only thank them really. I think it’s very strange, but it’s their campaign and they know what they’re doing.”

The Liberal Democrats will not be fielding any candidates, having previously announced 10 in 2011, while Ukip has announced 13 candidates, four more than in 2011.

The Green Party has announced seven candidates after fielding no representatives last time around. There is one independent candidate, Martin Wilson. He is standing in Riverview Borough ward.

Councillors not standing for re-election include Cllr Tanmanjeet Dhesi (Lab) who will stand as Gravesham’s prospective parliamentary candidate, Cllr Richard Smith (Lab), Caroline Shelton (Lab), Alex Moore (Con), Senja Compton (Con) and Glen Handley (Con).

You can find the full list of candidates at http://www.gravesham.gov.uk/services/council-and-democracy/voting-and-elections/election-results

To vote visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.